Six Tips to Help Reduce the Risk of Identity Theft
July 21, 2011 by admin
Filed under Choosing Lingerie
CHANTILLY, Va., Jul 21, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
IDENTITY
GUARD(R), a product of
Intersections Inc.
/quotes/zigman/92911/quotes/nls/intx INTX
+4.64%
today reminds consumers that Identity
theft remains a major threat to consumers of all ages. Fraud
protection is essential for everyone from infants to
adolescents to adults because identity
theft is such a costly and potentially life-changing
crime.
According to a February 2011 Javelin Strategy Research report on identity
theft and fraud
protection, more than 8.1 million identities were
stolen in 2010. On average, victims of identity
theft were responsible for paying $631 in out-of-pocket
costs, such as those to cover fraudulent debt or legal fees, which is a
significant rise from $387 in 2009. The California-based market research
firm says the increased need for fraud
protection may stem from thieves focusing more on new
account debit card fraud.
The climbing costs may provide individuals with even more
incentive to better monitor their credit
reports and scores. While a credit and fraud
protection program can be a great asset, consumers
should also make sure to take the proper steps to lower their risk of identity
theft.
Here are six tips that may help consumers better defend against
thieves.
1. Avoid throwing away any private documentation – bills, credit
card offers, bank statements – that contains personal identifying
details without first running it through a paper shredder.
2. Take receipts after a purchase and check their listed amounts
against credit card bills. This approach may help a person identify any
fraudulent charges on his or her statements.
3. Avoid carrying your Social Security card out of your home
unless it’s absolutely necessary.
4. Have your mail delivery temporarily suspended when you are on
vacation.
5. Use a different password for each online account and construct
passwords with a combination of numbers, capital letters, and, if
possible, symbols.
6. Stay abreast of the latest online fraud tactics. Knowing what
scams are out there can help individuals practice safer Web browsing
behavior.
About IDENTITY GUARD(R)
(
http://www.identityguard.com/ )
Identity Guard(R)
is a product of Intersections Inc.
/quotes/zigman/92911/quotes/nls/intx INTX
+4.64%
,
a leading provider of consumer and corporate identity risk management
services. Intersections has protected 32 million consumers
worldwide since 1996. Applying the same 24/7 technology that the biggest
names in financial services provide to their customers, the Identity
Guard product responds to ever-increasing personal
security challenges — protecting your most valuable assets — your credit
and your identity. Follow Identity Guard on Twitter@IdentityG
and fan Identity Guard on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/IdentityGuard .
SOURCE: Identity Guard by Intersections Inc.
Identity Guard
Leslie Garrett, 703-234-3851
lgarrett@intersections.com
Copyright Business Wire 2011
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